Display device for displaying memorial presentation

ABSTRACT

A display device for displaying a memorial presentation, such as, for example, at a memorial service, viewing, or gravesite, wherein the device includes one or more sleeves allowing for a multi-element presentation; provides a passive illumination feature to enhance safety, emphasis, and navigation; and includes one or more of a variety of attachment or other support mechanisms, including a hook, a magnet, hook-and-loop material, and one or more legs. A hinge mechanism connects the sleeves. Holes may be provided for receiving ribbon material. The legs may be provided with removable weighted feet for added stability.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application is a non-provisional patent applicationclaiming priority benefit of a co-pending U.S. provisional patentapplication titled MEMORIAL CARDS, Serial No. 60/416,934, filed Oct. 7,2002. The identified provisional patent application is herebyincorporated by reference into the present non-provisional patentapplication.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates broadly to display devices fordisplaying presentations. More particularly, the present inventionrelates to a display device for displaying a memorial presentation, suchas, for example, at a memorial service, viewing, or gravesite, whereinthe device allows for a multi-page presentation; includes a passiveillumination feature to enhance safety, emphasis, and navigation; andprovides a variety of attachment or other support mechanisms.

[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0005] When a loved one passes, it is often desirable to display aremembrance or memorial presentation such as, for example, at a memorialservice, viewing, or gravesite. It is known, for example, to displaysuch presentations using plaques or small signs. Unfortunately, theseprior art display devices suffer from a number of limitations anddisadvantages. Plaques, for example, are relatively expensive and may bedifficult to move from, for example, a memorial service where it istemporarily displayed to a gravesite where it is to be permanentlydisplayed. Furthermore, any attempt to minimize expense, size, or weightof the plaque directly limits the amount and type of information thatcan be presented. Additionally, a plaque-based presentation issubstantially fixed and cannot be changed without incurring the expenseand inconvenience of commissioning another plaque.

[0006] Simple signs, though less expensive and less difficult to move,suffer from a number of other distinct disadvantages, including, forexample, an unsophisticated appearance that may be consideredinappropriate or in bad taste by some and may even be banned by somefuneral halls or cemeteries. This problem is exacerbated where it isdesirable to display the sign at both an indoor memorial service and anoutdoor gravesite. The former may call for a more subdued design andappearance, whereas the latter may call for a more emphatic design andappearance in order to be seen and special protective features in orderto be preserved against the hazards of weather and the outdoorenvironment.

[0007] In light of these and other limitations and disadvantages of theprior art, a need exists for an improved display device for displayingmemorial presentations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention overcomes the above-described and otherproblems and disadvantages in the prior art by providing a displaydevice adapted for appropriately and tastefully displaying a memorialpresentation indoors or outdoors, such as, for example, at a memorialservice or viewing or at a gravesite. The memorial presentation itselfmay be comprised of any suitable element or elements, such as, forexample, a heartfelt message, a poem, an obituary, a photograph, a shortbiography, or any combination thereof.

[0009] The display device broadly comprises a display portion and asupport portion. The display portion is adapted to receive, secure,retain, display, and protect and preserve the memorial presentation. Thedisplay portion includes one or more sleeves; a hinge mechanism; and apassive illumination feature. The one or more sleeves are adapted toreceive and protect the elements of the memorial presentation. The hingemechanism is adapted to combine, connect, or otherwise physicalassociate and retain the plurality of sleeves and allow for structuredviewing of the associated elements of the memorial presentation. Thepassive illumination feature is adapted to enhance safety, emphasis, andnavigation. Safety is enhanced by providing at least low-levelillumination of the display device so as to guard against and eliminateany low-light (e.g., dawn or dusk) tripping hazard posed by the displaydevice. Emphasis is enhanced by drawing attention to the display deviceand associated gravesite during low-light conditions. Navigation isenhanced by providing a distinct feature that assists in identifying theassociated gravesite, particularly under low-light conditions.

[0010] The support portion is adapted to couple with and support thedisplay portion in a desired location, elevation, orientation, ormanner. The support portion advantageously provides a variety of supportmechanisms to accommodate a wide variety of display environments. Thesupport mechanisms of the support portion may include one or more of ahanger tab; a magnet; a hook-and-loop strip; and one or more legs.

[0011] Thus, it will be appreciated that the display device of thepresent invention provides a number of substantial advantages over theprior art, including, for example, being less expensive, easier to move,and easier to change than plaques, while also being more sophisticatedand in better taste than simple signs. Furthermore, the device allowsfor presentations of varying lengths by simply adding more of thesleeves. Additionally, a wide variety of support mechanisms are providedfor so that the device can be more effectively used indoors, outdoors,hanging or standing. Additionally, the illumination feature allowsothers to avoid tripping over the device and to more easily identify theassociated gravesite, and tastefully enhances and emphasizes thepresentation itself.

[0012] These and other important features of the present invention aremore fully described in the section titled DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF APREFERRED EMBODIMENT, below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is described indetail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:

[0014]FIG. 1 is a front view of a preferred embodiment of the displaydevice of the present invention;

[0015]FIG. 2 is a back view of the display device of FIG. 1; and

[0016]FIG. 3. Is a fragmentary view of a leg and optional base portionof the device of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0017] With reference to the figures, a display device 10 is hereindescribed, shown, and otherwise disclosed in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention. Broadly, the display device 10 isadapted for appropriately and tastefully displaying a memorialpresentation, and may be used indoors, such as, for example, at amemorial service or viewing, or outdoors, such as, for example, at agravesite in close in association with a grave marker. The memorialpresentation itself may be comprised of any suitable element orelements, such as, for example, a heartfelt message, a poem, anobituary, a photograph, a short biography, or any combination thereof,which, in light of the design of the display device 10, can be easilyupdated, changed, or replaced as desired.

[0018] In the illustrated preferred embodiment, the display device 10broadly comprises a display portion 12 and a support portion 14. Thedisplay portion 12 is adapted to receive, secure, retain, display, andprotect and preserve the memorial presentation. The display portion 12includes one or more sleeves 18; a hinge mechanism 20; and a passiveillumination feature 22. The one or more sleeves 18 are adapted toreceive and protect the elements of the memorial presentation. Eachsleeve 18 may include a pocket 24 or a frame 26 or both. The pocket 24is adapted to receive a substantially flat or planar element of thememorial presentation, and is transparent or provides at least atransparent window through which the element may be seen. The pocket 24is also substantially waterproof so as to protect or preserve theelement against rain, moisture, other weather or weathering effects, andother environmental hazards. The pocket 24 is preferably openable so asto allow for easily accessing the element within the pocket 24, therebyadvantageously allowing for updating, changing or replacing the elementas desired. In one contemplated implementation, the pocket 24 isconstructed from a material also able to resist or prevent transmissionof ultra-violet or other damaging solar radiation and the deleteriouseffects associated therewith, particularly with regard to fading ofphotographs or colored items. Thus, the pocket 24 may be constructedfrom transparent, treated plastic or another similarly suitablematerial.

[0019] The frame 26 is a border or frame also adapted to receive asubstantially flat or planar element of the memorial presentation. Ifconstructed of sufficiently inflexible material (e.g., plastic,fiberglass, or metal) then the frame 26 may provide protection againstbending, warping, or other undesirable physical changes to the element.The frame 26, however, will likely not, by itself, protect the elementsof the memorial presentation against weather or the effects thereof. Forthis reason, if no pocket 24 is used, the elements should be otherwiseprotected, such as, for example, by lamination.

[0020] As mentioned, the sleeve 18 may include both the pocket 24 andthe frame 26 to provide a maximum degree and scope of protection againstweather, the effects thereof, and bending, warping, or other undesirablephysical changes of and to the elements of the memorial presentation.This pocket-and-frame embodiment of the sleeve 18 may take the form of,for example, a substantially flexible transparent plastic pocketsurrounded by a substantially rigid picture frame-type frame. In analternative implementation, the pocket-and-frame embodiment of thesleeve 18 may take the form of a thin, openable (e.g., hinged) plasticcase having a substantially rigid frame and a transparent window forviewing the element of the memorial presentation.

[0021] It is contemplated that the display portion 12 may besubstantially rectangular and have dimensions of approximately between 3inches and 8 inches in width and 4 inches and 12 inches in height. Thedisplay portion 12 is not limited to these dimensions, however, and,though illustrated as being substantially flat or planar, it is alsocontemplated that the display portion 12 may alternatively bethree-dimensional, such as, for example, pyramidal or cubical, beingformed, for example, of folded plastic or laminated cardstock, in whichcase each of the top and vertical sides may present a portion of thepresentation.

[0022] The display portion 12 may also include one or more through-holes28 or other mechanisms (e.g., clips) for receiving and retainingremembrance, memorial, or otherwise symbolic ribbons or streamers. It iscontemplated, for example, that red, white, and blue ribbons might, onMemorial Day, be attached to the display portion 12 in remembrance of adeceased veteran.

[0023] The hinge mechanism 20 is adapted to combine, connect, orotherwise physical associate and retain the plurality of sleeves 18 andallow for structured viewing of the associated elements of the memorialpresentation. The hinge mechanism 20 operates in a conventional mannerand may appear at and connect any side of the plurality of sleeves 18.As illustrated, for example, the hinge mechanism 20 appears at andconnects a top portion of the sleeves 18, though the hinge mechanism 20could alternatively appear at and connect a left or right side portionof the sleeves 18.

[0024] The passive illumination feature 22 is adapted to enhance safety,emphasis, and navigation. Safety is enhanced by providing at leastlow-level illumination of the display device 10 so as to guard againstand eliminate any low-light (e.g., dawn or dusk) tripping hazard posedby the display device 10. Emphasis is enhanced by drawing attention tothe display device 10 and associated gravesite during low-lightconditions. Emphasis is also enhanced where the passive illuminationfeature 22 provides sufficient illumination to assist in reading orotherwise viewing the elements of the memorial presentation underlow-light conditions. Navigation is enhanced by providing a distinctfeature that assists in identifying the associated gravesite,particularly under low-light conditions. The illumination feature 22 maytake the form of one or more strips or pieces of geometric, complex, orfanciful designs securely affixed to or incorporated into the one ormore sleeves 18 or the support portion 14. In one preferredimplementation, for example, the illumination feature 22 takes the formof strips of conventional florescent or “glow-in-the-dark” materialaffixed to the frame 26 portions of the sleeves 18.

[0025] The support portion 14 is adapted to couple with the displayportion 12 and support the display portion 12 in a desired location,elevation, orientation, or manner. The support portion 14 advantageouslyprovides a variety of support mechanisms to accommodate a wide varietyof display environments, including, for example, indoor; outdoor;ground-based; or table-, mantle-, or shelf-based. The support mechanismsof the support portion 14 include a hanger tab 32; a magnet 34; ahook-and-loop strip 36; or one or more legs 38. Though illustrated inFIG. 2 as including all of these support mechanisms so as to providemaximum choice and flexibility of use, the display device 10 needsinclude only one or more of them.

[0026] The hanger tab 32 is secured (e.g., as by glue or a rivet) to atop or back of the display portion 12 and projects upwardly or outwardlyand includes a clip, hole, or hook allowing for hanging the displaydevice 10 either in a retail, on-sale context or in the context of itsintended use (e.g., hung from a grave marker). The hanger tab 32 may beswivelable so as to swivel downward and out of sight when not in use.

[0027] The magnet 34 is secured (e.g., as by glue) to a back of thedisplay portion 12 allowing for magnetically attaching the displaydevice 10 to an appropriate surface (e.g., a metal portion of a gravemarker). The hook-and-loop strip 34 is substantially similar to themagnet 34 and allows for attaching the device 10 to an appropriatematerial (e.g., a complementary hook-and-loop strip).

[0028] The one or more legs 38 are coupled, either moveably ornon-movably, with a top, bottom, or back of the display portion 12, andare adapted to support the display portion in an elevated position. Thenumber of legs 38 and their design will vary depending on thecircumstances and conditions of display. Thus, the legs 38 may take anyof a wide variety of forms, including, for example, one or two legshaving pointed ends for insertion into the ground at a gravesite, orthree legs for stable support on a table at a memorial service, whereinthe third leg may be removable so that the remaining legs can beinserted into the ground at a gravesite following the memorial service.The legs may be coated or treated so as to resist rust, or may beconstructed of non-rusting material (e.g., nylon or plastic). The legsmay be short or long, and may be bendable so as to be shortenable foruse on a table and elongatable for use on the ground. When meant to beplaced on stone or a similarly hard surface, rather than inserted intothe ground, the legs 38 may have removable weighted feet 40. In anotherexample, as seen in FIG. 3, there may be a single leg 38 having athreaded lower portion for threadable cooperation with a correspondingbase component either adapted itself for insertion into the ground orhaving a large, possibly weighted, base 42 so as to maintain the displaydevice 10 in an upright position even during, for example, windyconditions.

[0029] In a first example of use and operation, the display device 10 ofthe present invention functions as follows. In anticipation of anupcoming anniversary of the death of a loved one, a person obtains thedisplay device 10 of the present invention. Three elements—a heartfeltmessage, a photograph, and a short biography—are to be included in thememorial presentation. The elements are placed within the pockets 24 ofthe sleeves 18, with the pockets 24 being surrounded by the frames 26.At the gravesite, the pointed end of the single leg 38 of the supportmechanism 14 is inserted into the ground so as to maintain the displayportion 12 at a height of approximately two feet. Other visitors to thegravesite are thereafter able to view the memorial presentation as well.One visitor arrives at in the early morning and has trouble finding thegravesite until she sees the illumination feature 22. Another visitorarrives at dusk, sees the illumination feature 22 and thereby avoidstripping over display device 10. A few months later, the person decidesthat a different heartfelt message is desired, so the person removes theoriginal message from its pocket 24 and inserts the new message.

[0030] In a second example of use and operation, the display device 10of the present invention functions as follows. In anticipation of anupcoming indoor memorial service and subsequent outdoor burial for adeceased loved one, a person obtains a dozen or more of the displaydevices 10. Three elements—a heartfelt message, a photograph, and ashort biography—are to be included in the memorial presentation. Thephotograph, however, will be combined with the message, so that only twosleeves 18 are needed. The elements are placed within the pockets 24 ofthe sleeves 18, with the pockets 24 being surrounded by the frames 26.At the memorial service, one of the devices 10 is set upon a table andthe remainder of the devices are distributed to other attendees. Thedevice 10 set upon the table is supported by three legs 38 arranged intripod fashion. At the gravesite, following the memorial service, thedevice 10 previously set upon the table is set upon the ground, againsupported by the legs arranged in tripod fashion but with the weightedfeet 40 attached to avoid the device 10 tipping over. Those devices 10distributed to attendees are taken home as remembrances; some will beplaced upon refrigerators and held in place by the magnets 34, otherwill be hung from nails or screws by the hook 32, and still others willbe placed upon tables or shelves and supported by the legs 38.

[0031] From the preceding description it will be appreciated that thedisplay device of the present invention provides a number of substantialadvantages over the prior art, including, for example, being lessexpensive, easier to move, and easier to change than plaques, while alsobeing more sophisticated and in better taste than simple signs.Furthermore, the device allows for presentations of varying lengths bysimply adding more of the sleeves. Additionally, a wide variety ofsupport mechanisms are provided for so that the device can be moreeffectively used indoors, outdoors, hanging or standing. Additionally,the illumination feature allows others to avoid tripping over the deviceand to more easily identify the associated gravesite, and tastefullyenhances and emphasizes the presentation itself.

[0032] Although the invention has been described with reference to thepreferred embodiments illustrated in the drawings, it is noted thatequivalents may be employed and substitutions made herein withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention as recited in the claims.Also, though described herein as being used in the context ofremembrance or memorial presentations, the display device may be usedfor a presentation for any activity or occasion, including, for example,births, birthdays, and weddings.

Having thus described the preferred embodiment of the invention, what isclaimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent includesthe following:
 1. A display device for displaying a presentation, thedisplay device comprising: one or more sleeves, with each sleeve beingadapted to removably receive and maintain an element of thepresentation; one or more holes for receiving ribbon material; and oneor more support mechanisms adapted to support the one or more sleeves ina desired manner.
 2. The display device as set forth in claim 1, whereineach sleeve includes a substantially transparent window of plasticmaterial through which the element of the presentation can be viewed. 3.The display device as set forth in claim 2, wherein the plastic materialinhibits transmission of ultraviolet radiation and thereby reducesfading of the element of the presentation.
 4. The display device as setforth in claim 1, wherein each sleeve includes a plastic pocket and asurrounding frame, with the plastic pocket receiving the element of thepresentation and providing a substantially transparent window forviewing the element.
 5. The display device as set forth in claim 4,wherein the plastic material inhibits transmission of ultravioletradiation and thereby reduces fading of the element of the presentation.6. The display device as set forth in claim 1, further including anillumination feature for providing illumination, wherein theillumination feature is passive in nature.
 7. The display device as setforth in claim 6, wherein the illumination feature includes a florescentmaterial.
 8. The display device as set forth in claim 1, furtherincluding a hinge mechanism adapted to hingedly connect the one or moresleeves.
 9. The display device as set forth in claim 1, wherein thesupport mechanisms including a hook, a magnet and a one or more legs.10. The display device as set forth in claim 9, wherein one or more ofthe legs is provided with removable weighted feet.
 11. The displaydevice as set forth in claim 9, the support mechanisms further includinga hook-and-loop material.
 12. A display device for displaying apresentation, the display device comprising: one or more sleeves, witheach sleeve being adapted to removably receive and maintain an elementof the presentation, and each sleeve including a substantiallytransparent window of plastic material through which the element of thepresentation can be viewed; a hinge mechanism adapted to hingedlyconnect the one or more sleeves; an illumination feature for providingillumination, wherein the illumination feature is passive in nature andincludes a florescent material; and one or more support mechanisms,including a hook, a magnet and a one or more legs, adapted to supportthe one or more sleeves in a desired manner.
 13. The display device asset forth in claim 12, wherein the plastic material of the sleevesinhibits transmission of ultraviolet radiation and thereby reducesfading of the element of the presentation.
 14. The display device as setforth in claim 12, wherein each sleeve includes a plastic pocket and asurrounding frame, with the plastic pocket receiving the element of thepresentation and providing the substantially transparent window forviewing the element.
 15. The display device as set forth in claim 12,further including one or more holes for receiving ribbon material. 16.The display device as set forth in claim 12, wherein one or more of thelegs is provided with removable weighted feet.
 17. The display device asset forth in claim 12, the support mechanisms further including ahook-and-loop material.
 18. A display device for displaying a memorialpresentation, the display device comprising: one or more sleeves, witheach sleeve being adapted to removably receive and maintain an elementof the presentation, and each sleeve including a plastic pocket and asurrounding frame, with the plastic pocket receiving the element of thepresentation and providing a substantially transparent window forviewing the element, and the transparent window being adapted to inhibittransmission of ultraviolet light and thereby reduce fading of theelement. a hinge mechanism adapted to hingedly connect the one or moresleeves; an illumination feature for providing illumination, wherein theillumination feature is passive in nature and includes a florescentmaterial; one or more holes for receiving ribbon material; and one ormore support mechanisms, including a hook, a magnet and a one or morelegs, adapted to support the one or more sleeves in a desired manner.19. The display device as set forth in claim 18, wherein one or more ofthe legs is provided with removable weighted feet.
 20. The displaydevice as set forth in claim 18, the support mechanisms furtherincluding a hook-and-loop material.